Point Scoring Areas

There are eight point targets which can be struck in kendo: seven blows and one thrust. The seven blows are considered to be cutting motions and are directed to the following points:

men

a point directly at the peak of the face mask

hidari-men

left side of the men, above the left ear

migi-men

right side of the men, above the right ear

kote

a point just above the wrist joint on the right arm

hidari-kote

a point just above the wrist joint on the left arm (only allowed when the
left hand is at shoulder hight or higher

migi-do

a point on the right side of the chest protector

hidari-do

a point on the left side of the chest protector

tsuki

a thrust directed to the throat protector at the bottom of the men (only
used by advanced kendoka due to its dangerous nature)

It is quite important in kendo that when a point is struck, the name of the specific point are must be called out in a sharp voice at the time that contact is made (ie, men, kote, do, tsuki). There is little need for strength in making a point.